4.3 Merc Cruiser in-storage Question

[Hvymtl]

Thinking of buying a really nice 1995 Genesis 21 ft with the 4.3 Merc Cruier (205 hp). Issue: boat has been in enclosed storage for 4 years. Is there anything I should know about the 4.3 engine that would not make this a good deal because it has sat so long (example: is it known that the rings routinely freeze up on this motor if not run?) Boat was winterized before it was put up.

 

[jkust]

Re: 4.3 Merc Cruiser in-storage Question

That sounds like a pre Vortec engine. The newer, higher hp model with Vortec heads came out in 1996. It is 205hp at the flywheel not at the prop. At the prop is how modern I/O's measure their HP. In other words, a 1996 with the Vortec heads is 190hp at the prop, while your 1995 will be lower than that at the prop but misleads with the 205 hp number. Other than that, getting it fired up and testing it on a lake not on muffs would be in order if you can accept the older tech engine. Winterizing means different things to different people as well. Exactly what was done to it pre storage. Dried out rubber parts on the outdrive may be an issue as well.

 

[Hvymtl]

Re: 4.3 Merc Cruiser in-storage Question

Dried out rubber parts on the outdrive may be an issue as well.

What parts are suspect (recommend automatic change out) in this engine/outdrive

 

[jkust]

Re: 4.3 Merc Cruiser in-storage Question

Bellows would be my first concern.